How do para judo fights start?
B · Beginner · Before the fight · 3 of 3On the referee's kumi-kata, both athletes take one sleeve and the opposite lapel, between the collarbone and the tip of the breastbone. The grip alone does not start the fight; hajime does. A shido is given for changing grip before hajime, avoiding the grip, a bent posture or bowed head or a wrong leg position. Each athlete must let the other grip.
How it works
- Call: kumi-kata, then hajime.
- Sleeve: the whole sleeve but not the end.
- Lapel: between collarbone and breastbone tip.
- No grip: on the neck or shoulder.
- Posture: standing, head up, arms not stretched.
- Grip problems: white grips first, then blue.
- Next time: the order is reversed.
- Changing again: kumi-kata cancelled, shido.
The glossary has the starting position (IBSA judo), the starting grip, the kumi-kata problems, the shido at the start, the grip with both hands and the restart from the starting position.
Tricky cases
Can the athlete use the other hand to set the grip?
No.
An athlete keeps the head bowed. Penalty?
A shido.
Who grips first when there is a problem?
White, then blue; reversed the next time.
Can the referee help with foot position?
Yes.
Why the rule exists
A fixed grip gives both athletes the same start whatever they can see. Posture rules stop a defensive crouch from the first second.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Normal start | Both grip, then hajime | 7 |
| Grip problem | White first, then blue | 9 |
| Changing again | Shido | 9 |
From the rule book
IBSA, IBSA Judo Rules (amendment to the IJF rules, 2025 to 2028, January 2025), sections 7 to 9. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: IBSA Judo Rules, January 2025.